For such a small town (population 2,500), Marfa
is a very diverse city. A high desert plateau with an altitude of 4,830 feet, Marfa is located in Presidio county about 20 miles from Ft.
Davis, Texas and 60 miles from the Mexican border. Named in 1883 by the wife of a railroad
executive, Marfa originated as a water stop for the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio
Railroad.
Ranching has been the main industry of the Marfa area and is still a strong influence on the
Marfan economy. In addition to the ranching business, there are several large employers
located in the Marfa area; the Border Patrol, a large commercial greenhouse company, and
the American Plume and Fancy Feather Co., Inc.
The city of Marfa is characterized by a unique blend of ranching heritage and strong Hispanic
influences, and in recent years, Marfa has become home to a variety of artists and Galleries,
including Donald Judd and the Chinati Foundation, the Iota/Westenburg Gallery, a New York
Based gallery, and David Kimble, the "Cut-away King". The quiet, small-town atmosphere is
attractive to artists in that it serves as a refuge from the chaotic life found in large cities.
In addition to the growing artistic community, Marfa offers several other attractions, such as
the historic El Paisano Hotel, which housed James Dean, Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and
the film crew for the 1955 movie "Giant." Aside from it's link to Hollywood, El Paisano Hotel is
a beautiful Spanish-style hotel that displays the character of the city of Marfa.
It is impossible to give an overview of Marfa, Texas without mentioning the Mysterious Marfa
lights. Sightings of the Marfa Lights have been reported for over one hundred
years.
|
Home Page |
Area Activities |
Area News
|
Overviews
of Area |
McDonald
Observatory |
Big
Bend National Park |
Big Bend Ranch
State Park |
Fort Davis
National Historic Site |
Davis Mountains State Park
|
Alpine
|
Fort
Davis |
Marfa
|
Presidio
|
Sanderson
|
Marathon |
Ojinaga (Mexico)
|
| Museums and Galleries |
Education and Research Institutions
|
Churches and Camp Meetings
|
Hotels
|
Real Estate |
Employment Opportunities
|
Merchandise
for Sale |
Big Bend Art |
Import Information |
Copyright 2000-2001 Big Bend News